Ways to Support Your Community

Supporting our artist community is at the heart of what we do. Each day we’re going to be sharing some important tools, opportunities, and resources for artists on our blog. Follow along and reach out if you need additional support. 

Today we’re going to share more information and resources to support your community.

As we continue to follow mandates to shelter in place, many are feeling restless and unsure how to contribute to their community. Here are some ways to support organizations and be of service:

DONATE

If you are able, consider donating to causes that are directly serving the community like:

• RELIEF FUNDS

  • Richmond Culture Works has a relief fund to financially support artists affected by COVID-19

• COMMUNITY CENTERS

  • Sacred Heart Center supports the Latino community through support programs and is providing food to those in need. 

• FOOD BANKS

  • FeedMore is a food bank in Richmond that provides food to those in need through numerous programs. 

• MUTUAL AID PROJECTS

  • Support the Richmond Arts and Culture Workers Coalition by supporting our mask making initiative. Learn more about how you can donate to our mask making efforts or volunteer here.

CONTRIBUTE

If you can’t contribute financially, consider donating items you may have!

• Food Banks

  • FeedMore has a list of most needed items. High fiber, low sugar and sodium are best. 

• Neighbors

  • Reach out to elderly or immunocompromised folk in your area and offer to make grocery runs for them.

• Mask Making Materials

  • Many groups are at work making masks for essential workers and hospitals. Check for an initiative near you to find their needs. At Studio Two Three we are accepting sewing thread, Clorox wipes, medical gloves, and hand sanitizer. 

• Help Parents Out

  • Check in with friends and family who have children. Offer to face-time their kids to read stories, play virtual games, or keep them entertained for a while so the parents can walk away for a few minutes.

• Support Small Businesses

  • f you are able, buy gift cards from your favorite store or restaurant to use later

• Tip your delivery person well

  • Remember that they are taking on the risk for you. So tip them more than you normally would. 

VOLUNTEER

A lot of organizations need help providing essential services to the community and you can help while staying safe. 

• Studio Two Three

  • Know your way around a sewing machine or can cut and pin fabric? Sign up for a two hour shift and learn more here. 

• HandsOn

  • Browse volunteer opportunities at handsonrva.org There are many orgs to choose from and find times that work for you.

  • To support Richmond Organizations, HandOn has created this list with what organizations need, their contact info, and where to drop items off. Check that out here. 

  • Here are some orgs and their needs pulled from their list:

Family Lifeline
Donate: Disinfectant wipes, disinfectant spray, paper towels, and nitrile exam gloves

The Doorways
Donate: Pantry items (plastic wrap, snack items, pasta) hygiene products, and bedsheets.

Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
Donate: Nonperishable and canned hispanic foods, gift cards for gas stations, grocery stores, and Amazon.

Atlantic Outreach Group
Donate: Household items, laundry detergent, hygiene products, and food items.

Autism Society Central VA
Donate: gift card for groceries

Human Kind
Donate: Household cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene products.